Our Donations Help Others

Special Children’s Charities of Chicago is the fundraising organization of Special Olympics Chicago. Special Olympics provide a competitive forum for thousands of special athletes here in Chicago every year. Both were founded in 1969 for athletes competing in everything from gymnastics to tennis, basketball to track and field.

Benton Community Settlement carries a proud tradition that can be found in the smiles of our children, the competitive nature of our young adults, and the satisfaction and appreciation that abounds in the sentiment of our seniors. We are a not-for-profit settlement home that has operated for over 90 years with many children’s programs but few funds. The programs offered include, but are not limited to: Summer Day Camp, Kiddie Time (pre-school program), Begin again Moms, Father & Son Floor Hockey, Saturday Play Camp, and Storytime.

Thank You Thursday!

On Thursday May 12th, One for the Kids held its 2nd Annual Honors Ceremony Reception for our partner charities and long-time supporters. The cocktail hour was held at Ditka’s Restaurant in Oak Brook where we munched on great appetizers, mingled with our guests and of course, had a great time celebrating this great cause.We had such a successful Curve Ball Event and it wouldn’t have been possible without all of your support. One for the Kids President, Tim O’Malley started off the night with some kind words of appreciation for everyone in the room.

Our first check was presented to Advocate Children’s Hospital.

“Your dollars help us significantly in one key area,” said Doug Hutchings from Advocate. “And that is echo-cardiograms diagnostic equipment that we have been able to purchase simply because the volume and wait times for young moms that need to have that examination while the baby is still yet to be born. We are able to save lives with a wonderful group of caregivers and a wonderful group of supporters like you”

Mike Magnuson introduced Special Olympics Chicago to the group. “Its kind of funny when you go back 24 years,” he said. “And look at how this all came together because we were sitting at a bar on continuous occasions and saying if were going to get together we might as well try and help some people along the way.”

Executive Director of Special Olympics Chicago, Susan Nicholl spoke some very kind words about our One for the Kids group and about the amazing athletes involved in the program. “Share the ‘Born in Chicago’ message because this organization started right here in Chicago and changed the lives of special needs athletes forever.”

Eric Degnan presented the “Step Up Award” to our event chairman Joe Chura who stepped up and hit a home-run with this event. His ideas for the event were phenomenal. A live Kiss Cam? Yes please. Great job Joe!

Bob Lanigan spoke about what One for the Kids means to him. “Alright let’s play a little game,” Bob said. “Every time you hear the word thank you, take a shot.” Cue the laughs and sips of wine. “It’s a family affair. If you come to our events you see wives, husbands, sons, daughters, fathers, mothers and cousins. Putting together golf outings and cocktail parties and nights like this, who doesn’t wake up the next day and feel great about what we do? We help kids-it’s that simple. I’m so proud to be involved with this group and I think all of us can say we get more out of it than we give.” We couldn’t agree more, Bob. Cheers to that!

We have also decided to have two host families for the 2017 Curve Ball Event and we had the pleasure of having them at the cocktail hour. We can’t wait for you to meet them and hear their stories in the upcoming months.

Thanks to everyone who came out and we look forward to an even more successful event next year!